Hi gang
I'd love to liven up this big blank 7m wall at the front of my house with something attractive.
Wanted to ask advice on whether Wisteria, Boston ivy or Virginia creeper are good ideas? I plan to stay in the house long-term. Should wisteria be planted in the ground or pot? Will creepers damage the wall? any other suggestions?
Many thanks!
by Big_Issue_6495
14 Comments
Wisteria will need a BIG pot-a half oak barrel and in time it will just burrow into the ground anyway,also it will need a large support structure erected.
Out of virginia creeper or boston ivy-boston ivy grips much better than v creeper-particularly on an exposed wall.There are some attractive climbing Ivies too-Goldheart/Colchic dentata variegata.None of these will damage modern brickwork/pointing.
Climbing hydrangea does leave a mess/residue on the wall on removal-and frankly the flowers arent THAT exciting.But its good for a North Wall.
Clematis montana is a good vigorous Spring flowering climber-but again will need a good climbing structure too,also not pretty over Winter. Climbing Roses are rather lovely,but need ‘some’ support.
I think I’d establish 2 climbers on the gable end just for more length of seasonal interest and contrast too.
Its hard to tell from the orientation of the wall. South-facing?
Star Jasmine is also a great climber and smells incredible in the summer sun!
What direction does the wall face? What elevation are you above sea level? Are you near the sea?
Arhhh, so you want a mouse and rat ladder to your roof do you? Being arsey because I had to take mine down because of the little feckers. Also in a bungalow.
Do not plant Virginia Cheaper – it’s an absolute thug and will take over the house!
I would go with something evergreen and dense like star jasmine or pyracantha.
Wisteria in the ground!!
Clematis
Jasmine and clematis including evergreen varieties. Climbing roses.
What about a long narrow open bottomed raised bed along the wall
Do something like this
https://youtu.be/gANeIgBDWic?si=0RC46wRRAfXY2DtR
I have Star Jasmine on an east facing wall. It is a beautiful lush green in the spring, then blooms hundreds of flowers which make our house smell lovely. Come autumn and winter, it turns a deep red/ green colour. Trim twice a year to keep it nice and neat. Grown up trellis.
https://preview.redd.it/f3l37g075p1g1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=206b34e8527f78e4ca27117bf882876d7d62780e
You will need some kind of support for your climber because only English ivy is self clinging – other kinds like wisteria and clematis have twining parts that need something to pull themselves up. Most large climbers are best in the ground rather than pots.
I have a similar wall which has clematis montana for spring flowers, a climbing rose for early summer and jasmine for later summer. They’re on a series of 4 horizontal wires attached at intervals.
if its southish facing plant grapes.
Trained fruit trees, if it’s east, west or south apple, pear, plum or cherry could work, a north facing wall would suit sour cherries, south or west would suit a grapevine or a peach.
I’d plant two trees one either side of the wall. Make sure you get one grafted to a semi dwarfing rootstock.
Buy from a specialist such as Keepers nursery or Walcott Organic.